Violent service delivery protests erupted on Wednesday in the Protea area outside Randfontein, said police.
Warrant Officer Kay Makhubela described the scene as “chaotic” as hundreds of community members from the Waterworks informal settlement clashed with police.
“Police are firing rubber bullets at the protesters. We also have our nyalas and choppers on the scene, but these protesters are attacking police,” said Makhubela.
He said the demonstrators were throwing stones and rocks at police and motorists making their way past.
“The N12 road from Potchefstroom and Randfontein and Impala Road has been closed. We advise motorists to use alternative routes,” said Makhubela.
The protests began at about 2am. No arrests had been made.
Makhubela said no injuries had been reported thus far.
Earlier, the metro police department said the protests were in Zuurbekom.
Makhubela rectified the earlier reports.
Sapa